Preview: Reading vs. Leyton Orient - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, the Royals will be targeting a second straight win after edging out Derby County in their midweek outing.

Match preview

While uncertainty continues to surround the club's ownership, Reading's survival hopes received a significant boost thanks to Tuesday's narrow 1-0 win over promotion-chasing Derby.

After taking the lead through Paul Mukairu in the 54th minute, the Royals saw out the remainder of the contest to secure a third consecutive home league victory.

Although Reading have now lost just one of their last eight matches in League One (W3, D4), they are still languishing in the relegation zone.

Ruben Selles's side may be four points adrift from safety, but they do have a game in hand over Shrewsbury and Exeter City, who currently sit directly above them in the league table.

Having taken 24 of their 30 points from home matches, the Royals will be confident about making full use of home advantage in Saturday's clash with Leyton Orient.

As for the O's, they carry significant momentum into the weekend after avoiding defeat in each of their last five matches (W4 D1), keeping clean sheets in all five of those fixtures.

Like their hosts, Leyton Orient edged out a promotion contender in their most recent outing, with Dan Agyei scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.

As a result of their impressive run of form, Richie Wellens's side currently reside in the top half of the table with 38 points to their name from 27 matches.

While it remains to be seen whether they can close the nine-point gap to the top six, Leyton Orient will be pleased to be 12 points clear of the drop zone after winning promotion from League Two last season.

Not only do the O's have the chance to record a fourth consecutive victory on Saturday, but they can also complete a league double over Reading following a 2-1 win in October's reverse fixture.

Reading League One form:

D

D

W

D

L

W

Reading form (all competitions):

D

W

L

D

L

W

Leyton Orient League One form:

L

W

D

W

W

W

Team News

Reading can no longer call upon the services of Nelson Abbey, who has completed a move to Greek Super League side, Olympiacos.

Following Tuesday's successful outing against Derby, Selles could be tempted to name an unchanged lineup for Saturday's encounter.

Having scored six goals in 17 league appearances this season, Sam Smith will be looking to add to his tally when he leads the line against the O's.

Meanwhile, the visitors recently strengthened their squad with the signing of Ollie O'Neill from Fulham for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old winger may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Wellens likely to name an unchanged side for the weekend's contest.

Agyei will spearhead the Leyton Orient attack, and the forward will be hoping to continue his fine run of form after scoring in each of the last three matches.

Reading possible starting lineup:

Button; Yiadom, Bindon, Holmes, Dorsett; Azeez, Wing, Savage, Knibbs, Mukairu; Smith

Leyton Orient possible starting lineup:

Brynn; Galbraith, Beckles, Happe, Sweeney; Brown, El Mizouni; Forde, Sanders, Archibald; Agyei

We say: Reading 2-2 Leyton Orient

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